From my window I see the new tree that the City of Cambridge planted in the space between the sidewalk and the curb. Beyond that is the fresh pavement patch where they installed the new gas line. Across the street is the refurbished Glacken Field complex of playground and little…

“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine.” John Howard, Olympic cyclist, set a speed record of 152.2 mph in 1985 It’s the longest day of the year up here beyond 42 degrees north. The weather is mild, the winds are calm. Perfect weather to get out…

In time for Father’s Day, I read this vignette by Indrani Sen, Culture Editor for The New York Times. A thirteen-year-old girl, Sasha, asked her parents for permission to skip school. Her father, Matt Gross replied, “Not allowed. Nope!” and then offered this unsolicited advice: “Next time you want to…

My new favorite slogan for life comes from a deep binge of Netflix’ Inventing Anna. I watched the seven-hour dive into the world of New York City glamour, crime, and con-artistry back in March, when it topped so many must-view lists. One solitary line of moral virtue percolates within me…

I have been to Jamestown. I have been to Plymouth Rock. I have been to Lexington and Concord. I have been to Independence Hall. I have been to Yorktown. I have been to Fort Sumter. I have been to Gettysburg. I have been to Appomattox. I have been to Ellis…

The March 2022 edition of The Atlantic features of trio of articles that explore different angles of “How to Find Happiness.” After two plus years of pandemic, the issue is welcome, since its topic appears to be in such short supply. Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and generally contented soul…

Towards the end of yoga class, the teacher guided us into savasana. “Think of a safe place,” he prompted, to relax our mental and physical being. Zing! Zang! Boom! My mind raced all over the place, scanning my history to retrieve a safe place. My childhood home? Not in a…

At long last, the bike path from Fresh Pond to Watertown is usable. Two years after its scheduled completion date, signs and pylons still declare “Path Closed,” but the surface is paved and striped and many pedestrians and cyclists use it. The stretch of pavement (less than half a mile)…

It is a glorious April Saturday morning in New England. Sixty degrees: bright sun; cotton candy clouds; light breeze. I hop on my bike to go to the gym and run errands. I travel easily along city streets, many of which have designated bicycle lanes. I divert onto dedicated…